System and method to align variable diffuser vane with direction of flow of working fluid

ABSTRACT

Embodiments of systems and methods permit use of variable diffuser vanes in multi-stage compressor devices. These embodiments deploy a flow sensor to identify the direction of flow for a working fluid that transits the stages of the compressor device. In one embodiment, the flow sensor generates a signal, which a controller processes to align a variable diffuser vane with the direction of flow of the working fluid. This configuration pre-empts the operational difficulties of previous designs by providing independent control over the diffuser vanes in the individual stages of the multi-stage compressor device.

BACKGROUND

The subject matter disclosed herein relates to compressor devices (e.g.,centrifugal compressors) and, in particular, to diffusers and diffuservanes for a compressor device.

Compressor devices (e.g., centrifugal compressors) use a diffuserassembly to convert kinetic energy of a working fluid into staticpressure by slowing the velocity of the working fluid through anexpanding volume region. An example of a diffuser assembly typicallyutilizes several diffuser vanes in circumferential arrangement about animpeller. The design (e.g., shapes and sizes) of the diffuser vanes, incombination with the preferred orientation of the leading edge and thetrailing edge of the diffuser vanes with respect to the flow of theworking fluid, often determine how the diffuser vanes are affixed in thediffuser assembly.

To add further improvement and flexibility to the design, some examplesof a diffuser assembly incorporate variable diffuser vanes. These typesof diffuser vanes move to change the orientation of the leading edge andthe trailing edge. This feature helps to tune operation of thecompressor device. Known designs for variable diffuser vanes rotateabout an axis that resides in the lower half, i.e., closer to theleading edge than the trailing edge of the diffuser vanes.

Some configurations of compressor devices do not comport with use ofvariable diffuser vanes. Multi-stage compressors, for example, oftenforego use of variable diffuser vanes because of problems withmaintaining desired flow and pressure rates for the working fluid;namely, that use of variable diffuser vanes can reduce the operatingrange of the multi-stage compressor device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

This disclosure describes embodiments of systems and methods that permituse of variable diffuser vanes in multi-stage compressor devices. Theseembodiments deploy a flow sensor in combination with a variable diffuservane to align the variable diffuser vane with the direction of flow ofthe working fluid. This configuration pre-empts the operationaldifficulties of previous designs by providing independent control overthe diffuser vanes in the individual stages of the multi-stagecompressor device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference is now made briefly to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 depicts a schematic view of an exemplary embodiment of amulti-stage compressor device;

FIG. 2 depicts a schematic view of an exemplary embodiment of a systemfor controller operation of a compressor device; e.g., the multi-stagecompressor device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 depicts a flow diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a method foroperating a compressor device, e.g., the multi-stage compressor deviceof FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 depicts a perspective view of an example of a diffuser assemblyfor use in a compressor device, e.g., the multi-stage compressor deviceof FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 depicts a top view of the diffuser assembly of FIG. 4 with a flowsensor in a first sensor position and a second sensor position;

FIG. 6 depicts a top view of the diffuser assembly of FIG. 4 with thediffuser vane in a first vane position and a second vane position;

FIG. 7 depicts a detail view of the leading edge of the exemplarydiffuser vane of FIG. 4;

FIG. 8 depicts a flow diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a method foroperating a compressor device, e.g., the multi-stage compressor deviceof FIG. 1; and

FIG. 9 depicts a high-level wiring schematic of an example of acontroller for use in a system, e.g., the system of FIG. 2.

Where applicable like reference characters designate identical orcorresponding components and units throughout the several views, whichare not to scale unless otherwise indicated.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic view of an exemplary embodiment of acompressor device 100. The compressor device 100 includes an inlet 102,an outlet 104, and one or more stages (e.g., a first stage 106 and asecond stage 108) disposed in flow connection with the inlet 102 and theoutlet 104. The stages 106, 108 include an impeller (e.g., a firstimpeller 110 and a second impeller 112) and a diffuser assembly (e.g., afirst diffuser assembly 114 and a second diffuser assembly 116). Thediffuser assemblies 114, 116 include one or more diffuser vanes (e.g., afirst diffuser vane 118 and a second diffuser vane 120) and a flowsensor (e.g., a first flow sensor 122 and a second flow sensor 124). Thecompressor device 100 also includes a drive unit 126 and a drive shaft128, which couples with the drive unit 126 and with one or more of theimpellers 110, 112.

Embodiments of the compressor device 100 find use in a variety ofsettings and industries including automotive industries, electronicsindustries, aerospace industries, oil and gas industries, powergeneration industries, petrochemical industries, and the like. Duringone implementation, the shaft 128 transfers power from the drive unit126 to rotate the first impeller 110 and the second impeller 112.Rotation of the first impeller 110 draws a working fluid (e.g., air)through the inlet 102. In the first stage 106, the first impeller 110compresses the working fluid. The compressed working fluid flows intothe first diffuser assembly 114, which allows the working fluid toexpand before the working fluid enters the second stage 108. In thesecond stage 108, the working fluid undergoes compression and expansionby, respectively, the second impeller 112 and the second diffuserassembly 116. In one embodiment, the compressor device 100 can couple atthe outlet 104 with industrial piping to expel the working fluid underpressure and/or with certain designated flow parameters as desired.

Examples of the diffuser vanes 118, 120 can move (e.g., rotate) from oneposition (e.g., a first position) to another position (e.g., a secondposition), and vice versa. Movement between the first position and thesecond position allows the diffuser vanes 118, 120 to align with thedirection of flow of the working fluid. This feature avoids flowseparation of the working fluid from the surfaces of the diffuser vane118, 120.

The flow sensors 122, 124 monitor the direction of flow of the workingfluid upstream of the diffuser vanes 118, 120. As the direction of theflow changes, e.g., due to changes in operation of the compressor device100, the flow sensor 122 will generate a signal. Examples of the signalconvey information to indicate the extent, direction, and othercharacteristics relevant to the direction of the flow. The controller132 can process this signal and, in response, generate an output toimpart changes to the position of the diffuser vanes 118, 120. In oneexample, the output encodes instructions to move the actuators 134, 136which in turn causes the diffuser vanes 118, 120 to change position,e.g., from the first position to the second position.

As shown in FIG. 2, the compressor device 100 can form part of a system130 (also “control system 130”), which can change operating settings forthe first diffuser assembly 114 and the second diffuser assembly 116independent of one another during operation of the compressor device100. The system 130 includes a controller 132, which couples with theflow sensors 122, 124 and with actuators (e.g., a first actuator 134 anda second actuator 136). Examples of the actuators 134, 136 change theposition of, respectively, the first diffuser vane 118 and the seconddiffuser vane 120. In one embodiment, the controller 132 (and/or one ormore other devices in the system 130) can communicate via a network 138with a peripheral device 140 (e.g., a display, a computer, a smartphone,a laptop, a tablet, etc.) and/or an external server 142.

The controller 132 can comprise computers and computing devices withprocessors and memory that can store and execute certain executableinstructions, software programs, and the like. The controller 132 can bea separate unit, e.g., part of a control unit that operates thecompressor device 100 and other equipment. In other examples, thecontroller 132 integrates with the compressor device 100, e.g., as partof the hardware and/or software configured on such hardware. In stillother examples, the controller 132 can be located remote from thecompressor device 100, e.g., in a separate location where the controller132 can issue commands and instructions using wireless and wiredcommunication, e.g., via the network 124.

Examples of the system 130 orient one or both of the diffuser vanes 118,120 to modify flow and expansion that occurs as the working fluidtransits the corresponding diffuser assemblies 114, 116. By utilizingseparate flow sensors 122, 124 to measure the direction of flow upstreamof the respective diffuser vanes 118, 120, the system 130 can accountfor variations in flow that occur from stage to stage, e.g., from stage106 to stage 108. The system 130 can use the information about thedirection of flow to instruct the actuators 134, 136 to place thediffuser vanes 118, 120 in different positions relative to one another.This feature effectively decouples operation of the compressor device100 in the first stage 106 from the second stage 108, which allows thediffuser vanes 118, 120 to operate independent of one another and, inone example, independent of additional stages without having an adverseeffect on overall performance of the compressor device 100.

FIG. 3 depicts a flow diagram of an exemplary method 200 to improveperformance of a compressor device (e.g., compressor device 100 of FIG.1). The method 200 includes, at step 202, receiving a first signal froma first flow sensor and, at step 204, receiving a second signal from asecond flow sensor. In one embodiment, the first signal and the secondsignal encode information that identifies a first direction and a seconddirection of flow for a working fluid upstream of, respectively, a firstdiffuser vane and a second diffuser vane. The method 200 also includes,at step 206, identifying a first position for the first diffuser vaneand the second diffuser vane. In one example, the first position alignsthe first diffuser vane and the second diffuser vane with the firstdirection of flow of the working fluid. The method 200 further includes,at step 208, generating an output encoding instructions to move thefirst diffuser vane and the second diffuser vane to the first position.

In one embodiment, the first signal (e.g., at step 202) and the secondsignal (e.g., at step 204) indicate the position of the first flowsensor and the second flow sensor. To illustrate, FIG. 4 depicts aperspective view of an example of a diffuser assembly 300 for use in acompressor device (e.g., compressor device 100 (FIG. 1)). The diffuserassembly 300 includes a diffuser vane 302 and a flow sensor 304 upstreamof the diffuser vane 302. In one example, the flow sensor 304 has a baseelement 306 and a directional element 308 disposed in the path of a flowF of a working fluid. The diffuser vane forms a vane body 310 with aleading edge 312 and a trailing edge 314. A chord length L defines thestraight-line distance between the leading edge 312 and the trailingedge 314. The vane body 310 forms an aerodynamic shape (e.g., anairfoil) with a suction side surface 316 and a pressure side surface 318identified relative to the orientation and angle of attack of theleading edge 312 relative to the flow F. At the leading edge 312, thevane body 310 converges to a tip 320.

The flow sensor 304 can move and, in one example, the directionalelement 308 rotates relative to the base element 306 to indicate thedirection of flow F. Examples of the base element 306 can secure tocomponents of the diffuser assembly 300. These components can includewall members, frame member, and other structure (e.g., volute) that canposition the flow sensor 304 in the flow of the working fluid. Forexample, the flow base element 306 can reside a bore and/or counter borein such structure to position the directional element 308 in the flowpath. Examples of the base element 306 can include a pin and/or otherbearing element, which receives the directional element 308. The pinacts as a pivot about which the directional element 308 can freelyrotate. When placed in the path of flow F, the directional element 308will align with the direction of the flow F. In one example, the baseelement 306 can comprise a rotary potentiometer and/or other likedevices that can measure angular displacement. The rotary potentiometercan couple with the directional element 308 to register changes in theposition of the directional element 308 in response to the direction offlow F.

With reference to FIG. 5, during one implementation, a compressor devicemay operate in a manner that causes the flow F to flow in a number ofdifferent directions (e.g., a first flow direction F1 and a second flowdirection F2). The directional element 308 assumes one of a first sensorposition 322 and a second sensor position 324, which correspond to,respectively, the first flow direction F1 and the second flow directionF2. In one example, the flow sensor 304 can register the change in theposition of the directional element 308, e.g., between the first sensorposition 322 and the second sensor position 324.

Examples of the first signal and/or the second signal can encodeinformation to identify the position and/or the relative change inposition of the directional element 308. In one example, the firstsignal and the second signal may encode an angular position to each ofthe first sensor position 322 and the second sensor position 324.Examples of the angular position can utilize a radial scale that covers360°, wherein the first position 322 and the second position 324 assumedifferent values on the radial scale, e.g., 0° for the first position322 and 300° for the second position 324. In other examples, the firstsignal and the second signal my encode an angular offset to each of thefirst sensor position 322 and the second sensor position 324. Theangular offset can define a value, e.g., a radial value, on the radialscale by which the first sensor position 322 and the second sensorposition 324 deviate relative to a fixed or home position. For purposesof the present example of FIG. 5, the radial value for the first sensorposition 322 is 0 and or 0° and the radial value for the second sensorposition 324 is −30 and/or −30°.

The steps for identifying a first position (e.g., at step 206) for thediffuser vane 302 can use the information in the first signal and thesecond signal to align the diffuser vane 302 with the direction of flowF. In this connection, FIG. 6 illustrates an example of the diffuservane 302 in a first vane position 326 and a second vane position,identified by phantom lines and the numeral 328. In one example, thevane body 302 can rotate about a rotation axis 330, which permits theposition of the trailing edge 314 to change relative to, in one example,the leading edge 314. This disclosure also contemplates configurationsof the diffuser vane 302 in which the rotation axis 330 is located atvarious positions, e.g., in positions spaced apart from the leading edge312 and the trailing edge 314 along the chord length L (FIGS. 4 and 5).In these other configurations, both the leading edge 312 and thetrailing edge 314 can rotate, e.g., about the rotation axis 330.

Implementations in which the trailing edge 314 rotates the leading edge312 are advantageous to accommodate the first flow direction F1 and thesecond flow direction F2. As shown in the example of FIG. 6, despite therelatively large angular displacement of the trailing edge 314 thatoccurs, the leading edge 312 is secured on the rotation axis 330 tolimit changes to the position of the leading edge 312, e.g., as thetrailing edge 314 moves between the first vane position 326 and thesecond vane position 328. This feature maintains the orientation of theleading edge 312 with the second flow direction F2 to reduce thelikelihood of flow separation, while providing adequate adjustment ofthe trailing edge 314 to dictate changes in the performance (e.g., ofcompressor device 100 of FIGS. 1 and 2).

FIG. 7 illustrates a detail view of the diffuser vane 302. The exampleof FIG. 7 shows that the tip 320 is round and/or has a curvilinear outersurface 332 defined by a radius R_(TIP) that extends from a center axis334. Other examples the tip 320 exhibit a shape (e.g., a point) thatmaintains the aerodynamics of the vane body 310. This disclosure alsocontemplates configurations of the tip 320 having less than optimalaerodynamic shapes (e.g., blunt shapes) as desired.

In the example of FIG. 7 (and FIG. 6), the rotation axis 330 residesproximate the leading edge 312 and, for example, within 5% or less ofthe chord length L (FIG. 4) (as measured from the leading edge 312).Depending on the size and shape of the tip 320, the rotation axis 330can also be found within an area that the radius R_(TIP) defines aboutthe center axis 330. In one example, the rotation axis 330 is coaxialwith the center axis 334 of the tip 320.

Examples of the diffuser vane 302 can comprise various materials andcombinations, compositions, and derivations thereof. These materialsinclude metals (e.g., steel, stainless steel, aluminum), metal alloys,high-strength plastics, composites, and the like. Material selection maydepend on the type and composition of the working fluid. For example,working fluids with caustic properties may require that the diffuservanes comprise relatively inert materials and/or materials that arechemically inactive with respect to the working fluid, and/or have oneor more coatings and/or surface treatments that provide preventcorrosion, erosion, or other degradation of the surface of the diffuservanes.

Geometry for the diffuser vane 302 is determined as part of the design,build, and fitting of the compressor device for the application. Thegeometry can include airfoil shapes, e.g., the shape shown in FIG. 4 forthe vane body 310, examples of which take the form of wings and bladesand/or other forms that can generate lift. In one embodiment, thediffuser vane 302 can mount, e.g., to one of the wall members, usingfasteners and fastening techniques that permit rotation of the diffuservanes about the leading edge. Screws, bolts, pins, bearings, and likecomponents can be used to maintain the position of the leading edge,while further allowing the trailing edge to change position ascontemplated herein. These fasteners can secure to the wall members ofthe diffuser assembly, which can comprise pieces separate from thecomponents of the compressor device or can integrate with existinghardware found in the compressor device.

Referring back to the method 200 of FIG. 3, the steps for generating anoutput (e.g., at step 206) can cause the diffuser vane 302 to move,e.g., as between the first position 326 and the second position 328. Theoutput can comprise any signal (e.g., analog and/or digital) that canencode instructs to operate a device. In the examples herein, the outputcan cause an actuator to move, which can facilitate movement eitherdirectly and/or indirectly of the diffuser vane 302 among and betweenone or more of the first position 326 and the second position 328.

FIG. 8 illustrates another exemplary embodiment of a method 400 tooperate a compressor device. The method 400 includes, at step 402,receiving a first signal from the first flow sensor encoding informationthat identifies a first direction of flow for a working fluid upstreamof the first diffuser vane. The method also includes, at step 404,receiving a second signal from the second flow sensor encodinginformation that identifies a second direction of flow for the workingfluid upstream of the second diffuser vane. The method further includes,at step 406, comparing the first direction and the second direction to,respectively, a first reference direction and a second referencedirection. In one example, the first reference direction and the secondreference direction relate to a value for the first direction and thesecond direction. As shown in FIG. 8, the method 400 also includes, atstep 408, identifying a first position for the first diffuser vane andthe second diffuser vane aligning the first diffuser vane and the seconddiffuser vane with, respectively, the first direction and the seconddirection of the working fluid. In one embodiment, this step caninclude, at step 410, determining whether the first position and thesecond position are different from the first reference position and thesecond reference position. If the first position and/or the secondposition are different, then the method 400 can include, at step 412,selecting a first increment by which to move the first diffuser vaneand/or a second increment by which to move the second diffuser vane. Inone example, the first increment defines the relative position of thefirst direction with respect to the first reference direction and thesecond increment defining the relative position of the second directionwith respect to the second reference direction. The method 400 can alsoinclude, at step 414, generating an output encoding instructions to movethe first diffuser vane and the second diffuser vane to the firstposition. In one example, the instructions cause the first diffuser vaneand the second diffuser vane to move from the first position to a secondposition, wherein the second position is defined relative to the firstposition for the first diffuser vane by the first increment and for thesecond diffuser vane by the second increment.

In view of the foregoing discussion, one or more of the steps of themethods 200 and 400 can be coded as one or more executable instructions(e.g., hardware, firmware, software, software programs, etc.). Theseexecutable instructions can be part of a computer-implemented methodand/or program, which can be executed by a processor and/or processingdevice. Examples of the controller 132 (FIG. 2) can execute theseexecutable instruction to generate certain outputs, e.g., a signal thatencodes instructions to change the position of the diffuser vanes assuggested herein.

FIG. 9 depicts a schematic diagram that presents, at a high level, awiring schematic for a controller 500 that can processing data (e.g.,signals) to generate an output that instructs operation of a compressordevice (e.g., compressor device 100 of FIGS. 1 and 2). The controller500 can be incorporated as part of compressor device to provide anintegrated, effectively stand alone system. In other alternatives, thecontroller 500 can remain separate and/or as part of a control system,which can also monitor various operations of the compressor device aswell as the systems coupled thereto.

In one embodiment, the controller 500 includes a processor 502, memory504, and control circuitry 506. Busses 508 couple the components of thecontroller 500 together to permit the exchange of signals, data, andinformation from one component of the controller 500 to another. In oneexample, the control circuitry 506 includes sensor driver circuitry 510which couples with one or more sensors (e.g., first flow sensor 512 andsecond flow sensor 514) and motor drive circuitry 516 that couples witha drive unit 518. The control circuitry 506 also includes an actuatordrive circuitry 520, which couples with one or more actuators (e.g.,first actuator 522 and second actuator 524), and a radio circuitry 526that couples to a radio 528, e.g., a device that operates in accordancewith one or more of the wireless and/or wired protocols for sendingand/or receiving electronic messages to and from a peripheral device 530(e.g., a smartphone). As also shown in FIG. 9, memory 504 can includeone or more software programs 532 in the form of software and/orfirmware, each of which can comprise one or more executable instructionsconfigured to be executed by the processor 502.

This configuration of components can dictate operation of the controller500 to analyze data, e.g., information encoded by the signals fromsensors 512, 514 and/or drive unit 518, to identify appropriate changesto the diffuser vanes and/or other changes to other operating properties(e.g., motor speed) of the compressor device. For example, thecontroller 500 can provide signals (or inputs or outputs) to aligndiffuser vanes in various stages of the compressor device with thedirection of flow, independent of the other stages and withoutdisrupting operation (e.g., output pressure) of the compressor device.

The controller 500 and its constructive components can communicateamongst themselves and/or with other circuits (and/or devices), whichexecute high-level logic functions, algorithms, as well as executableinstructions (e.g., firmware instructions, software instructions,software programs, etc.). Exemplary circuits of this type includediscrete elements such as resistors, transistors, diodes, switches, andcapacitors. Examples of the processor 502 include microprocessors andother logic devices such as field programmable gate arrays (“FPGAs”) andapplication specific integrated circuits (“ASICs”). Although all of thediscrete elements, circuits, and devices function individually in amanner that is generally understood by those artisans that have ordinaryskill in the electrical arts, it is their combination and integrationinto functional electrical groups and circuits that generally providefor the concepts that are disclosed and described herein.

The structure of the components in the controller 500 can permit certaindeterminations as to selected configuration and desired operatingcharacteristics that an end user convey via the graphical user interfaceor that are retrieved or need to be retrieved by the device. Forexample, the electrical circuits of the controller 500 can physicallymanifest theoretical analysis and logical operations and/or canreplicate in physical form an algorithm, a comparative analysis, and/ora decisional logic tree, each of which operates to assign the outputand/or a value to the output that correctly reflects one or more of thenature, content, and origin of the changes that occur and that arereflected by the inputs to the controller 500 as provided by thecorresponding control circuitry, e.g., in the control circuitry 506.

In one embodiment, the processor 502 is a central processing unit (CPU)such as an ASIC and/or an FPGA that is configured to instruct and/orcontrol operation one or more devices. This processor can also includestate machine circuitry or other suitable components capable ofcontrolling operation of the components as described herein. The memory504 includes volatile and non-volatile memory and can store executableinstructions in the form of and/or including software (or firmware)instructions and configuration settings. Each of the control circuitry506 can embody stand-alone devices such as solid-state devices. Examplesof these devices can mount to substrates such as printed-circuit boardsand semiconductors, which can accommodate various components includingthe processor 502, the memory 504, and other related circuitry tofacilitate operation of the controller 500.

However, although FIG. 9 shows the processor 502, the memory 504, andthe components of the control circuitry 506 as discrete circuitry andcombinations of discrete components, this need not be the case. Forexample, one or more of these components can comprise a singleintegrated circuit (IC) or other component. As another example, theprocessor 502 can include internal program memory such as RAM and/orROM. Similarly, any one or more of functions of these components can bedistributed across additional components (e.g., multiple processors orother components).

Moreover, as will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, aspects ofthe present invention may be embodied as a system, method or computerprogram product. Accordingly, aspects of the present invention may takethe form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely softwareembodiment (including firmware, resident software, micro-code, etc.) oran embodiment combining software and hardware aspects that may allgenerally be referred to herein as a “circuit,” “module” or “system.”Furthermore, aspects of the present invention may take the form of acomputer program product embodied in one or more computer readablemedium(s) having computer readable program code embodied thereon.

Any combination of one or more computer readable medium(s) may beutilized. The computer readable medium may be a computer readable signalmedium or a computer readable storage medium. Examples of a computerreadable storage medium include an electronic, magnetic,electromagnetic, and/or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, orany suitable combination of the foregoing. More specific examples (anon-exhaustive list) of the computer readable storage medium wouldinclude the following: an electrical connection having one or morewires, a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory(RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-onlymemory (EPROM or Flash memory), an optical fiber, a portable compactdisc read-only memory (CD-ROM), an optical storage device, a magneticstorage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. In thecontext of this document, a computer readable storage medium may be anytangible medium that can contain, or store a program for use by or inconnection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

A computer readable signal medium may include a propagated data signalwith computer readable program code embodied therein, for example, inbaseband or as part of a carrier wave. Such a propagated signal may takeany of a variety of forms and any suitable combination thereof. Acomputer readable signal medium may be any computer readable medium thatis not a computer readable storage medium and that can communicate,propagate, or transport a program for use by or in connection with aninstruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

Program code embodied on a computer readable medium may be transmittedusing any appropriate medium, including but not limited to wireless,wireline, optical fiber cable, RF, etc., or any suitable combination ofthe foregoing.

Computer program code for carrying out operations for aspects of thepresent invention may be written in any combination of one or moreprogramming languages, including an object oriented programming languageand conventional procedural programming languages. The program code mayexecute entirely on the user's computer, partly on the user's computer,as a stand-alone software package, partly on the user's computer andpartly on a remote computer or entirely on the remote computer orserver. In the latter scenario, the remote computer may be connected tothe user's computer through any type of network, including a local areanetwork (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or the connection may bemade to an external computer (for example, through the Internet using anInternet Service Provider).

Aspects of the present invention are described herein with reference toflowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus(systems) and computer program products according to embodiments of theinvention. It will be understood that each block of the flowchartillustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in theflowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented bycomputer program instructions. These computer program instructions maybe provided to a processor of a general purpose computer, specialpurpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus toproduce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via theprocessor of the computer or other programmable data processingapparatus, create means for implementing the functions/acts specified inthe flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.

These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computerreadable medium that can direct a computer, other programmable dataprocessing apparatus, or other devices to function in a particularmanner, such that the instructions stored in the computer readablemedium produce an article of manufacture including instructions whichimplement the function/act specified in the flowchart and/or blockdiagram block or blocks.

The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer,other programmable data processing apparatus, or other devices to causea series of operational steps to be performed on the computer, otherprogrammable apparatus or other devices to produce a computerimplemented process such that the instructions which execute on thecomputer or other programmable apparatus provide processes forimplementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or blockdiagram block or blocks.

Accordingly, a technical effect of embodiments of the systems andmethods disclosed herein is to change the position of one or morediffuser vanes to align with the direction of flow of the working fluid.

As used herein, an element or function recited in the singular andproceeded with the word “a” or “an” should be understood as notexcluding plural said elements or functions, unless such exclusion isexplicitly recited. Furthermore, references to “one embodiment” of theclaimed invention should not be interpreted as excluding the existenceof additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention,including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in theart to practice the invention, including making and using any devices orsystems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope ofthe invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examplesthat occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intendedto be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elementsthat do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if theyinclude equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differencesfrom the literal language of the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system, comprising: a compressor devicecomprising a first diffuser vane, a second diffuser vane downstream ofthe first diffuser vane, and a flow sensor assembly comprising a firstflow sensor upstream of the first diffuser vane and a second flow sensorupstream of the second diffuser vane; and a controller coupled with thefirst flow sensor and the second flow sensor, the controller comprisinga processor, memory, and one or more executable instructions stored onthe memory and configured to be executed by the processor, theexecutable instructions comprising instructions for: receiving a firstsignal from the first flow sensor encoding information that identifies afirst direction of flow for a working fluid upstream of the firstdiffuser vane; receiving a second signal from the second flow sensorencoding information that identifies a second direction of flow for theworking fluid upstream of the second diffuser vane; identifying a firstposition for the first diffuser vane and the second diffuser vane, thefirst position aligning the first diffuser vane and the second diffuservane with, respectively, the first direction and the second direction ofthe working fluid; and generating an output encoding instructions tomove the first diffuser vane and the second diffuser vane to the firstposition.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the compressor devicecomprises a first actuator coupled with the first diffuser vane and asecond actuator coupled with the second diffuser vane, and wherein thefirst actuator and the second actuator operate in response to theoutput.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the first flow sensor and thesecond flow sensor comprise a directional element and a base elementcoupled to the directional element, and wherein the information of thefirst signal and the second signal reflects an angular position of thedirectional element.
 4. The system of claim 3, wherein the base elementcomprises a rotary potentiometer that measures the angular position ofthe directional element.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein thecompressor device comprises a first impeller upstream of the firstdiffuser vane and a second impeller downstream of the first diffuservane and upstream of the second diffuser vane.
 6. The system of claim 1,wherein the first diffuser vane and the second diffuser vane rotate inresponse to the output.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein the firstdiffuser vane and the second diffuser vane have an airfoil shape thatconverges at the leading edge to a tip with a center axis, wherein thetip has a curvilinear outer surface defined by a radius from the centeraxis, and wherein the first diffuser vane and the second diffuser vanerotate about a rotation axis that is found within an area defined by theradius.
 8. The system of claim 7, wherein the rotation axis is coaxialwith the center axis of the tip.
 9. The system of claim 1, wherein theexecutable instructions comprise instructions for: comparing the firstdirection and the second direction to, respectively, a first referencedirection and a second reference direction; and selecting a firstincrement by which to move the first diffuser vane and a secondincrement by which to move the second diffuser vane, the first incrementdefining the relative position of the first direction with respect tothe first reference direction and the second increment defining therelative position of the second direction with respect to the secondreference direction, wherein the instructions cause the first diffuservane and the second diffuser vane to move from the first position to asecond position, and wherein the second position is defined relative tothe first position for the first diffuser vane by the first incrementand for the second diffuser vane by the second increment.
 10. Acompressor device, comprising: a first diffuser vane; a second diffuservane downstream of the first diffuser vane; a flow sensor assemblycomprising a first flow sensor upstream of the first diffuser vane and asecond flow sensor downstream of the first diffuser vane and upstream ofthe second diffuser vane, the first flow sensor and the second flowsensor comprising a base element and a directional element coupled withthe base element, wherein the directional element can move between afirst position and a second position to align with a flow of a workingfluid.
 11. The compressor device of claim 10, wherein the base elementprovides a pivot about which the directional element can rotate betweenthe first position and the second position.
 12. The compressor device ofclaim 10, wherein the base element comprises a rotary potentiometer. 13.The compressor device of claim 10, wherein the first diffuser vane andthe second diffuser vane comprise a vane body with a leading edge and atrailing edge and a rotation axis spaced apart from the leading edge andthe trailing edge along a chord length that defines the straight-linedistance between the leading edge and the trailing edge
 14. Thecompressor device of claim 10, wherein the first diffuser vane and thesecond diffuser vane rotate about the leading edge.
 15. The compressordevice of claim 10, wherein the vane body has an airfoil shape thatconverges at the leading edge to a tip with a center axis, wherein thetip has a curvilinear outer surface defined by a radius from the centeraxis, and wherein the first diffuser vane and the second diffuser vanerotate about a rotation axis that is found within an area defined by theradius.
 16. The compressor device of claim 16, wherein the rotation axisis coaxial with the center axis of the tip.
 17. The compressor device ofclaim 10, further comprising a controller coupled with the first flowsensor and the second flow sensor, the controller comprising aprocessor, memory, and one or more executable instructions stored on thememory and configured to be executed by the processor, the executableinstructions comprising instructions for: receiving a first signal fromthe first flow sensor encoding information that identifies a firstdirection of flow for a working fluid upstream of the first diffuservane; receiving a second signal from the second flow sensor encodinginformation that identifies a second direction of flow for the workingfluid upstream of the second diffuser vane; identifying a first positionfor the first diffuser vane and the second diffuser vane, the firstposition aligning the first diffuser vane and the second diffuser vanewith, respectively, the first direction and the second direction of theworking fluid; and generating an output encoding instructions to movethe first diffuser vane and the second diffuser vane to the firstposition.
 18. The compressor device of claim 17, wherein the executableinstructions comprise instructions for: comparing the first directionand the second direction to, respectively, a first reference directionand a second reference direction; and selecting a first increment bywhich to move the first diffuser vane and a second increment by which tomove the second diffuser vane, the first increment defining the relativeposition of the first direction with respect to the first referencedirection and the second increment defining the relative position of thesecond direction with respect to the second reference direction, whereinthe instructions cause the first diffuser vane and the second diffuservane to move from the first position to a second position, and whereinthe second position is defined relative to the first position for thefirst diffuser vane by the first increment and for the second diffuservane by the second increment.
 19. A controller for operating acompressor device, said controller comprising: a processor; memory; andexecutable instructions stored on the memory and configured to beexecuted by the processor, the executable instructions comprisinginstructions for: receiving a first signal from the first flow sensorencoding information that identifies a first direction of flow for aworking fluid upstream of the first diffuser vane; receiving a secondsignal from the second flow sensor encoding information that identifiesa second direction of flow for the working fluid upstream of the seconddiffuser vane; identifying a first position for the first diffuser vaneand the second diffuser vane, the first position aligning the firstdiffuser vane and the second diffuser vane with, respectively, the firstdirection and the second direction of the working fluid; and generatingan output encoding instructions to move the first diffuser vane and thesecond diffuser vane to the first position.
 20. The controller of claim19, further comprising instructions for: comparing the first directionand the second direction to, respectively, a first reference directionand a second reference direction, wherein the first reference directionand the second reference direction comprise a value for the firstdirection and the second direction at a time t, and wherein the firstposition; and selecting a first increment by which to move the firstdiffuser vane and a second increment by which to move the seconddiffuser vane, the first increment defining the relative position of thefirst direction with respect to the first reference direction and thesecond increment defining the relative position of the second directionwith respect to the second reference direction, wherein the instructionscause the first diffuser vane and the second diffuser vane to move fromthe first position to a second position, and wherein the second positionis defined relative to the first position for the first diffuser vane bythe first increment and for the second diffuser vane by the secondincrement.